Social media

It refers to websites and applications (tools) that allow people to create, share or exchange information, career interests, ideas, and pictures or videos in virtual communities and networks.

Social media can be used for many things:

  • Staying in touch with friends and family
  • Promoting your cause
  • Keeping up with trending topics and news

Many Internet experiences are one-way: you go to a website like a news site or a shopping site to find information or buy something. Social media is two-way or socially interactive. It’s about communicating with other people. It can be with friends, family, peers or just people with the same interests as you. Social media is about sharing and communicating instead of finding and downloading information.

Discussion Question

  • Do you use social media?
  • What do you use it for?

Why Should We Use Social Media?

Social media can be overwhelming. So, why should we use it?

  • You can communicate every day
  • It can be used to build relationships
  • It allows you to learn from others
  • It can offer personal and business development
  • You can use it for job promotion/networking

The Pros of Social Media

Social media is a key player in the job search process today. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram also allow a connection between employers and job seekers. Social media allows job seekers to connect with employees, learn about companies, and find out about job openings in real-time. Employers use it to get a sense of who you are outside of the workplace.

The Cons of Social Media

Content a potential employer sees on social media might stop them from hiring someone. For example:

  • Provocative or inappropriate photos and information
  • Evidence of drinking and or drug use
  • Poor communication skills
  • Bad mouthing previous employers
  • Discriminatory remarks regarding race, gender or religion
  • Falsifying qualifications

If you use social media, make sure your content is appropriate for employers to see.

In this lesson, we will learn more about Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Social Media Safety and Security

Social media can be fun and interesting, help you stay connected with friends and family and help you find a job, but:

  • You have to consider your security or privacy 
  • You have to consider your safety

Before you post something, you should always THINK!

  • Is it TRUE?
  • Is it HELPFUL?
  • Does it INSPRIRE?
  • Is it NECESSARY?
  • Is it KIND?